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Our family moved to the Bay Area last year. My husband and I were convinced that Cupertino or Palo Alto were our top choices for the 'best' public schools in the South Bay. Our oldest child spent half of third grade in one of Cupertino's highest API rated schools, we thought it was too late for him to start a Chinese program, and our youngest child enrolled at the YCIS preschool. After months of agony, we decided to move our older child to YCIS also. YCIS was the best place for BOTH of our children. Teachers are amazing at teaching to different levels, from native speakers of Mandarin to those who have never uttered a word. The small group environment (only 6 kids!) for my son's Chinese class allows teachers to tailor lessons to the strengths and weaknesses of each child. My son was welcomed by the teachers and kids right away. My youngest son is now in kinder and writing complete sentences and adding/subtracting two-digit numbers, and it is only November! He loves science and the technology that they use in class. It's amazing to see his progress in violin, a requirement through third grade.

- submitted by a
parent

June 08, 2013

This school seems to have high teacher turnover and you have to ask why. We have been here many years and it continues to be tumultuous. It's very hard on the children having teachers leave or being asked to leave during the school year.

- submitted by a
parent

June 08, 2013

About the elementary school: The comment posted by a parent on September 7, 2011 says it all and says it perfectly. The Chinese program is great (though still can be improved), while the English program is just a disaster. The management team don't really care, becasue the owner is in Hong Kong. The owner had tried to keep it up by continuously firing principals, but if the philosophy is kept unchanged, nothing will really work. About the preschool: The preschool is a completely different story. The director is really on top of the job, and the children there are receiving really good care and education. The preschool director is a Chinese and reports directly into Hong Kong and has basically nothing to do with the elementary part.

- submitted by a
parent

March 07, 2012

My son is enrolled in YCIS since kindergarten. I was not very impressed by the principal when my son came for the interview in 2010. By the time my son started the school in Fall, a new principal Mr. Reimer has taken over. He is much better, very experienced in both teaching and managing. My son has ADHD and caused lots of trouble in the first year. But his teacher Ms Trutter is very patient and very cooperative. With the help from her and other YCIS staff (after school), my son made great progress in one year. Now he is a happy 1st grader. He is doing well both socially and academically. My daughter is going to kindergarten here this coming fall. I truly hope the student body grows a bit more at 4th and 5th grade. A satisfied parent

- submitted by a
parent

December 12, 2011

I rated this school 5 stars because we feel it has everything a great school needs.We don't speak mandarin at home. My daughter started in the Yew Chung preschool and is now in 2nd grade. She went from no Chinese to winning Mandarin contests and becoming a fluent Chinese speaker. The school originated in China and is very famous there, as I discovered on a recent business trip to Beijing and Shanghai. The YCIS teachers and staff, including the principal, are top notch -- smart, dedicated and caring - and incorporate technology in the classroom. My daughter has placed very well in the national placement exams in all subjects. The YCIS music program includes violin instruction in the elementary curriculum. My younger daughter started at the new preschool this year and we like that the elementary campus is separate but very close by. The parent community is kind and involved. The school includes a variety of cultures, religions and ethnicities, and all are made to feel welcome. Like any organization or business, there have been changes and ups and downs over the years, but this has never negatively impacted our review of the school. It's been a great experience for our family!

- submitted by a
parent

December 11, 2011

My youngest daughter has been in this school for 1.5 years. The staff so far has been fabulous. At least English teachers (I am not hundred percent sure about Chinese) have California teaching credentials. The new principal Mr. Reimer is very personable, kids adore him, he has a vast American and international teaching/administration experience. The parents are very involved and friendly and as a white non-Chinese speaking parent I never felt left out. Many kids come from mixed-racial families, probably less than 30% of parents speak Mandarin at home, My daughter seems to understand a lot of overheard Mandarin conversations on the streets. She is not speaking much yet, but she is able to recognize quite a lot of characters and write some. Her English and math are very appropriate for the first grade level. There are many kids in her class that are reading at much higher than the grade level, but she feels quite secure and is moving at her own pace, I do not feel that she is "drilled" or "pushed to perform". She is respected, liked, encouraged and challenged. I like the school's "character building" aspect, focus on health and community service in addition to academics.

- submitted by a
parent

December 09, 2011

I have three kids in this school and we are really happy with it. We are non-Chinese speaking family and our oldest became fluent in Chinese in less than a year in the primary school. Our 2.5-year old twins are already singing in Chinese and speak a little after attending the school for 2 months - especially as they are learning their 3rd and 4th language at same time (Chinese&English). The teachers are very caring and innovative in the pre-k and there is lot of arts and crafting involved. The elementary school Chinese curriculum follows the Chinese YCIS school one and is very advanced - and our child loves it. Other teaching is also great, proven by the state exam they took last year (our class scored 95% in math). I like the emphasis on creative writing & presenting their books and reports to parents. This is a great environment for kid to become global citizens. They also use technology and Smartboards in teaching and it;s good to learn tech skills young. The principal is also very approachable and involved. Altogether a very warm and caring school. Pre-school has a great new facility, but it's 1/3 mile from the main school - would be great to have just one campus.

- submitted by a
parent

December 09, 2011

I have two children at this school, and have been really impressed. The teachers are absolutely WONDERFUL. The student:teacher ratio is very low, so the children get a lot of individualized attention. I wish I had started my kids earlier here. The mandarin program is great. I didn't think it was possible for my kids to pick up on it as fast as they have. It's a great "balanced" school between academics and arts/play-base (for the pre-school). The children are all very friendly, and parents are all very much involved. The school had a tough few years trying to gain some traction and finding a good principal, and I believe they have finally found one. Mr. Reimer is friendly, approachable, reasonable, and accommodating. He's got great leadership, and yes, I was scared away at first by some of the negative reviews, but after being here, can honestly say that none of those situations experienced years ago, are true anymore. It is really a great school, and my children are absolutely thriving!

- submitted by a
parent

December 02, 2011

There is some truth to the positive and negative comments about the school. No school is perfect and fits every child. This school has lost several very good teachers. It lags behind in teaching and school facilities in comparison to other bilingual or Chinese immersion schools in the Bay Area. Unless your kid is unusally talented in language, this school is best for those children who already speak Chinese at home, or whose Chinese education can be supplemented with a Chinese tutor or nanny, or an annual trip to Taiwan or China, or some extra Chinese classes on week-day nights or week-ends. Otherwise, it will take at least two or three years before your child will utter a Chinese sentence. The pre-school helps the kids develop their social skills but is totally play-based, unlike other pre-schools in the Bay Area where children are taught the alphabet, phonetics, counting, are encouraged to color, draw, develop their motor skills, etc. Homework is assigned starting from Kinder. The after-school care offers various outsourced enrichment programs. A Chinese staff (not teachers) is available to 'watch' those children who are not enrolled in the enrichment classes.

- submitted by a
parent

September 07, 2011

We had three children enrolled at this school at one point. It was a terrible disappointment. The Chinese program is excellent; my children all learned an amazing amount of Mandarin (both speaking and writing.) Unfortunately, the rest of the curriculum is sadly lacking. We left the school when it became apparent that the nice, well-intentioned, though inexperienced teachers would not be able to engage my children (who are now happy and doing well at other schools.) In addition, the deplorable management and lack of leadership at this school fail to support a quality education for the children. Absentee leaders (decision-makers in Hong Kong) cannot possibly make decisions that benefit our children, and this is what Yew Chung suffers from. The fact remains, this is a private school (with commensurate private school-level tuition!) that does not offer a private school quality education (with the sole exception of it's Chinese program.) If a family is only looking for a bi-lingual Mandarin/English elementary program, this school may suffice. For anything else, it fails.

- submitted by a
parent

September 07, 2011

My daughters attended this school, and we have since left it 2 years ago. I am very disturbed to see these glowing positive reviews, as it is extremely misleading. While the staff and teachers are very nice people, and the parent body is *extremely* involved, it is completely untrue that this school offers a high-quality academic education. The curriculum is directed from leaders in Hong Kong, who have no idea what is needed to help elementary students succeed upon graduation. While it's true that the Mandarin program is terrific, graduating 5th graders need more than fluent Chinese to get into Bay Area private middle schools. By the very same reason this parent body is so involved, YCIS graduates' success is largely attributed to the extreme efforts of "tiger mom" parents (such as tutoring, supplemental study materials, and an overwhelming amount of homework.) This was not the kind of stressful childhood I wanted for my daughters. They are now doing very well at their new school, with enough homework to reinforce what their teachers are teaching in class (and we no longer have to struggle nightly to teach our girls subject matter in order to complete their homework assignments!)

This school is horrible. My child isn't getting enough education. The principal is mean. My child doesn't like it.

- submitted by a
parent

August 25, 2010

My son has had an excellent experience at Yew Chung. The teachers are dedicated and creative and the Mandarin-language instruction is the best in the Bay Area.

- submitted by a
parent

August 23, 2010

We had an awful time with this school. The teachers' lack of experience, constant changes in leadership- including a new principal every couple of years- and proxy leadership from Hong Kong with little input from the parents eventually overcame our good experiences with individuals who worked for Yew Chung. Not surprising, most of those individuals have left. Our son was there for 3 years. We made the difficult decision to leave Yew Chung after some very troubling and unprofessional incidents. ,Wil

- submitted by a
parent

March 23, 2010

We are very happy with YCIS and plan to keep our kids there through 5th grade! This year, our kindergartener has really blossomed. He is reading fluently and his writing has improved dramatically. The class has been learning first grade level Math. His Chinese skills have gone way beyond our expectations. He has also discovered a love for music and violin this year. His teachers have been amazing and really know him. The small class size at YCIS has allowed him to make great friends and have personalized attention. The kids at YCIS are kind to each other and respectful to the teachers. Our daughter is having an amazing preschool experience with warm, exceptional teachers and a lot of imaginative play. She loves going to school! We drive 20 minutes each way to YCIS (even though another Chinese immersion school is a few blocks away). We love it!

- submitted by a
parent

February 07, 2010

This school is absolutely amazing! My oldest child has been here for 3 years, and my youngest child is about to start. The teachers are caring. The academics are outstanding and very well rounded. There is exposure to not only core curriculum but the extras like music and art. All the kids are learning violin! I cannot believe how much my oldest has learned- in both English and Mandarin. Also, the environment is very friendly and welcoming. The kids are a wonderful group with families committed to learning. My child is really thriving here and it is the best decision I made for her education.

- submitted by a
parent

October 12, 2009

This review submitted without content.

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parent

September 15, 2009

This is an outstanding school. Graduates of this school have seamlessly and effortlessly transitioned into Bullis Charter School (6th grade), Girls Middle, ISTP middle school, Terman, and Egan Middle School... My eldest daughter (grade 5) now reads 9th-11th grade level books, enjoys the school's computer-related projects and actively participates in on-campus afterschool drama/plays directed and taught by Peninsula Youth Theater (PYT). The after-school program also offers weekly soccer taught by World Cup Soccer. Private piano, guitar, violin, voice, art, and dance lessons are also available after-school. It is truly an amazing school. Both my daughters (grade 1 and grade 5) have loved and blossomed at this school though they have almost opposite personalities and academic interests (one is more analytical and sporty, the other more philosophical and creative). The staff and administration are extremely responsive to Parent input and participation. Ideas for enrichment or after-school programs are easily implemented. Exceptionally friendly parent community !

- submitted by a
parent

no ratingAugust 17, 2009

This school has probably the best bi-lingual program with emphasis on teaching independence and thinking outside of the box. Teachers are all wonderful, caring and knowledgeable. My Boys love to go to school and this is a very good sign. My son is 6 now and speaks Mandarin very well and my other son a few years younger sings in Mandarin. There is no memorizing it is purely teaching. I highly recommend this school.

- submitted by a
parent

August 14, 2009

I have two children at YCIS and have been there almost 5 years. The Mandarin for both my children has wildly exceeded my expectations. More importantly, both are enjoying learning a second language. YCIS makes learning a Mandarin fun as well as challenging. The academics, as far as we have experienced it, has been very strong. Although many of the teachers are younger, we find them to be very flexible and willing to try new ideas so as to get the concepts and ideas through to the children. They are also open to ideas from parents and doing what is needed for individual children. The administration has been less stable but in the 5 years we've been there they haven't changed principals 5 times - this is the 3rd we've had. I would recommended YCIS for preschool and elementary or I wouldn't be there.

- submitted by a
parent

no ratingAugust 06, 2009

Yew Chung has a long history of providing top-notch bilingual education in Silicon Valley, Hong Kong, and China. I am absolutely thrilled at how much Mandarin my (non mandarin speaking) daughter has picked up in one year, and the English, math, and science curriculum is excellent too. The teachers are nurturing and encourage the kids to learn. My daughter loves going to school and will be attending 2nd grade in the fall.

- submitted by a
parent

July 30, 2009

This review submitted without content.

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parent

February 22, 2009

Yew Chung has the best bilingual mandarin program in the Bay Area. The mandarin teachers are mostly native speakers from China, and they have developed a systematic program that can take children from not speaking Chinese at all to fluency in speaking and listening as well as reading and writing. They also have a dual track program beginning in Kindergarten to allow native speakers versus 2nd language speakers of Chinese to learn at an appropriate pace.

- submitted by a
parent

January 12, 2009

My child has attended YCIS for two years. We are extremely happy with the school and are really pleased with how quickly she's picked up Mandarin. The teachers are very caring and my daughter truly looks forward to attending everyday. The administration and parent organization is also really great and has been flexible and open to our feedback.

- submitted by a
parent

December 12, 2007

Our kids have attended YCIS for two years and we're very happy there and plan to continue through the whole program (currently up to 5th grade). They support the emotional, academic, ethical, and cultural development of the students, and they do it by supporting the kids rather than by driving them too hard. We (parents) are beginners at Mandarin, and our children have started correcting our pronounciation when we try to use it at home.

- submitted by a
parent

February 02, 2007

Great curriculum, effective teaching of dual-language program. School teaches to the whole child, fostering a balanced education that does not over-emphasize second language teaching at the expense of other areas. Great teacher:student ratio, dedicated teachers. My daughter's kindergarten teachers tirelessly think of creative ways to engage her class in learning new things. Many extracurricular activities available (art, music, sports, dance, etc.) available with their well-established after-school program. Violin is part of all students' curriculum, as well as general music class. Parents are highly involved with the school, but amount of 'cookie sales' fundraising is non-existent. Parents participate by helping develop library, or volunteering to read to students, etc.

- submitted by a
parent

February 01, 2007

My son has been with YCIS through preK 3 & 4: 1. Excellent teachers and low child/teacher ratio. Two teachers per preK class of ~16; good environment for child to transition into school from home or small daycare. The kids love the teachers. 2. Good program. One main topic per month (food, weather, sun/moon/star). Curriculum handout, which my son reads (he is able to read English rhythms and songs, and recite Chinese songs through pingyin or just by memorizing). The principle (Mr. Matthews) emphases emotional development (EQ) beside academics. 3. Strong parent organization. Families from as far as Redwood City, Union City, Saratoga, beside Mountain View/Sunnyvale neighorhood. Lots of volunteer and programs (Moon festival, Chinese New Year). Expect birthday-party and weekend-group-play invites from class. 4. Nice kids (both non-Chinese or bilingual backgrounds); they bond well (Like to go to school every morning, and want to stay play outside school together after pickup.)

- submitted by a
parent

December 08, 2006

We have been at Yew Chung for four years total. The school boasts a nuturing community and strong academics, including Chinese. Teachers, parents, and the administration are also concerned with the emotional and social development of children, so the focus is really on the whole child. A number of extracurricular activities are offered in addition to aftercare. Music and PE are part of the regular curriculum.

- submitted by a
parent

October 16, 2006

Teacher quality is fantastic (both English & Chinese). Very safe, nurturing, postiive, creative environment. The children from young to old take care of one another and help each other when one gets injured (e.g. knee scrape) on the playground --encouraged by a watchful and caring teacher at all times. Kindergartners thru 2nd graders often perform skits throughout the year as a way of learning. My children have been extremely happy and enjoy learning here. Though we do not speak any Chinese at home, my daughter has often been mistaken for a native Chinese speaker while her English abilities test above her grade level.

- submitted by a
parent

October 05, 2006

Overall an excellent school. Education quality is superb, the teachers are excellent and caring, the classroom size is small, allowing individual attention to each child. The Chinese program is excellent, for Chinese and non-Chinese speaking students. YC Silicon Valley is part of the YC foundation (based in Hong Kong). It has made a lot of progress in the last year in adapting their philosophies to local conditions and expectations. The high teacher turnover two years ago was a thing of the past. The new teachers and staff are experienced and work well together. The new principal, James Matthews, has done a good job in running the school and expanding the pre-school program. Most importantly, the students are happy, and form a lively community.

- submitted by a
parent

March 03, 2006

YC is a Chinese immersion school. Class size is small. Both the Chinese and English teachers are very good. With the small class size, the teachers can challenge the kids individually. Lots of schools now boast an whole-child philosophy, but I really think YC practices it. The kids are well-rounded. They have a variety of after school Chinese classes like Kung Fu, art, music, dance. Parents can be as involved as they want; there are plenty of volunteer opportunities. It has a very good community-feel. We have been happy there. The cons are that they only go up to 5th grade and the upper grades have fewer and fewer students. However, they have been doing really well with preschool enrollment which will help in the future years.

- submitted by a
parent

February 18, 2006

My son is in the three year old pre-school program and loves it. They do a good job of teaching the kids English and Mandarin. He is speaking both languages well, and the school has started teaching him to recognize traditional characters. I am very impressed with his teachers.

- submitted by a
parent

February 18, 2006

This review submitted without content.

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parent

January 30, 2006

The teachers are very dedicated. My son had lots of anxiety when he first entered preschool. The preschool teachers were all very supportive, caring and had lots of patience with him. It is interesting to see how the children learn both English and Mandarin Chinese at the same time. The curriculum is overall fine but I think it could focus a little bit more on the academics. New principal this year seems to be a great guy and knows what he is doing.

- submitted by a
parent

October 25, 2005

This review submitted without content.

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About this school

Through YCIS's unique co-teaching model, preschool students naturally learn both English and Mandarin with native-speaking co-teachers working together in the classroom to develop an emergent curriculum in both languages based on children's interests. From Grades K-5, students study core subjects in English and learn Mandarin through an intensive Chinese Language and Culture program, ensuring students gain fluency in two world languages. Two campuses less than a mile apart; easy freeway access.